The large study analyzed more 500,000 people with a history of opioid use disorder and more than 800,000 with alcohol use disorder. Results show that those who took Ozempic or a similar GLP-1 receptor agonist drug (which are approved to treat conditions such as type 2 diabetes or obesity) had a 40 percent lower chance of overdosing on opioids and a 50 percent lower risk of getting drunk compared to those who didn’t take the medication.
Lead research author Fares Qeadan, PhD, an associate professor of public health sciences at Loyola University Chicago, says this research could offer a new solution for treating substance use disorders.
“Traditionally, substance use disorder treatments focus on addressing the symptoms and physiological effects of substance use directly,” Qeadan tells Well+Good. “GLP-1 receptor agonists, however, appear to work on the brain’s reward pathways, potentially reducing cravings and the likelihood of severe outcomes like overdose and intoxication.”
Qeadan says the accessibility of GLP-1s is another positive factor if they become a legitimate treatment option for substance use.
“There is a stigma surrounding some of the existing medications used to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders, along with access barriers for many patients,” Qeadan says. “GLP-1 receptor agonists could provide a more widely accepted treatment alternative, potentially improving access and reducing stigma around seeking treatment for substance use disorders.”
More research is necessary to prove that GLP-1 medications directly lower the risk of opioid overdose and alcohol intoxication. Folks seeking these drugs as a treatment option will have to wait until there’s approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Additionally, studies exploring optimal dosing, long-term effects, and any potential side effects are critical,” Qeadan says. “Neuroimaging research could also help us understand exactly how these medications interact with reward pathways related to substance use. Expanding research to other substance use disorders, such as stimulant or nicotine dependence, would further clarify the broader applicability of these medications.”
If you’re dealing with alcohol or substance use disorder, help is available. Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or visit samhsa.gov for more information and resources.
